Two from Catahoula face narcotic charges

Two men from Catahoula Parish men remained in the LaSalle Parish Jail as of press time on Monday, July 30, 2012, awaiting a bond hearing following their arrest over the weekend on illegal narcotic charges, according to Sheriff Scott Franklin.

A deputy with the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office was on routine patrol about 12:53 a.m., Saturday, July 28, when he observed two vehicles parked near a business in the Whitehall community. The deputy pulled in to investigate why these vehicles were parked there, and observed a red two-door car occupied by six people and the other car, a white four-door, occupied by one person. As the deputy approached the red car, he observed the passenger in the front place an alcoholic beverage in the center console. The deputy then had the front passenger exit the vehicle, and as he did, a rear passenger moved the alcoholic beverage from the center console to the rear of the vehicle. At this point, the deputy had all occupants exit the vehicle, as well as the occupant in the white car. The deputy contacted another deputy with a K-9 to come to his location, with the K-9 deputy and a narcotic detective arriving a short time later. The K-9 was used, and the K-9 deputy advised that his K-9 had alerted on both vehicles. A hand search was then conducted on both vehicles, and in the red car, a small clear plastic bag containing a clear rock like substance consistent with methamphetamines was located under the radio in the center console.

After further investigation into the matter, both James Wesley Walton, 26, and Ryan Porter Gant, 19, both from Jonesville, were arrested. During the investigation, both subjects had given false names, and deputies properly identified who they were on the scene.

James Walton was charged with possession of CDS II, methamphetamine, and resisting by providing false information.

Ryan Gant was charged with possession of CDS II, methamphetamine, resisting by providing false information, and as a fugitive from Franklin Parish.

The primary mission of the LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office is to enforce laws fairly and impartially within the statutory and judicial limits of the Sheriff’s authority. In addition, the Office also coordinates with other local, state, and law enforcement agencies to preserve the public peace, protect the rights of persons, safeguard property, prevent crime and provide aid and assistance to those in need.

The Sheriff’s Office also seeks to maintain or improve the quality of life in LaSalle Parish by investing in the future of our community. We wish to ensure that LaSalle parish is a safe place to live, work, and visit.